The safety of communities nationwide is directly affected by the health and wellness of the officers sworn to protect them. Therefore, it remains imperative that those who serve in our nation’s law enforcement remain aware of and educated on the most compelling stressors that impact them and, more important, where and how to seek assistance when necessary. In addition, the responsibility to train, educate, and properly care for this population falls not just on individual officers but also on the shoulders of supervisors, agency administrators, clinical personnel, and others. Education and support from all levels are also necessary to build and retain a strong resiliency profile. Ultimately, stress awareness, coupled with an understanding of ways and means to manage one’s stress, further serves to mitigate the emotional impact of stress on law enforcement personnel.

Day Two: SC Police Chiefs' Association - Bi-Monthly Training

(Sign In: 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Training Description:

Officers in the field are increasingly encountering citizens boldly asserting what they think are constitutional rights guaranteed by the First and Fourth Amendments. This course examines the crossroads where these two constitutional principles intersect, and provides practical tips for dealing with people who may be legitimately exercising constitutional rights, and others who are actively trying to bait officers into overreaction. Topics to be explored include refusal to identify, refusal to answer questions, dealing with bystanders, profanity towards officers, filming of police activity and police facilities, related officer safety concerns, weapons pat downs, and the seizure of cameras or cell phones that have recorded police activity.